Shutout Stunner

The Skycity Stampede continue to hold steady at the top of the NZIHL points table after a 7-0 victory over the visiting West Auckland Admirals. Veteran Stampede goaltender Aston Brookes registered his first career NZIHL shutout in the win.

Two quick goals courtesy of Stampede’s Captain Matt Schneider set the pace for the rest of the game. He beat up-and-coming Admirals goaltender Csaba Kercso-Magos Jr. up high, once at even strength and once while on the power play. Stampede’s Jade Portwood also netted a goal before the period wound down, scoreboard at 3-0 Stampede.

The Admirals came out with renewed vigour after their slow start, laying on several heavy hits, but Portwood slipped an early goal past Kercso-Magos that sapped momentum from the visitors’ comeback attempt. Young Stampede forward Harrison Macharg–skating in his first game of the year with the team–was a stand out in P2 both on defense and on the attack. He and Portwood combined with forward Callum Burns formed a dangerous scoring line. Macharg scored shortly after Portwood’s opening goal, resulting in the Admirals swapping goaltenders.

Ice Blacks goaltender and all-around NZIHL workhorse Rick Parry took over in net, but the Stampede continued to pressure the Admirals. Mike McRae and Ben Harford wore their skaters down late in the period until McRae could snipe one past Parry to bring the Stampede up to 6-0.

Not long after the puck dropped for the final period of action, the Macharg-Portwood duo struck again, extending the Stampede’s lead to 7. P3 was arguably the Admirals’ best, but Brookes was dialled in, stopping every puck thrown his way. The officials continued to call the game closely, with each team taking a minor penalty as the game wound down.

The triumphant home crowd counted down to the final buzzer, celebrating Brookes’ shutout along with his teammates. Final score 7-0 Stampede.